In Prey Touch Commune, young commune agricultural officer (CAO) Proeurng Sela is working to transform rice farming practices by introducing organic fertilisers and healthier soil management. Initially she struggled to gain the trust of experienced farmers, many of whom dismissed her advice. Determined to prove the benefits, Sela partnered with a local farmer, Phuy Hing, whose rice fields were suffering from poor yields. After applying her recommendations, Hing’s rice plants quickly revived, with greener leaves and stronger roots.
The success was impossible to ignore. Neighbours who had mocked Hing soon became curious, and even his own family adopted the new techniques. This visible transformation helped spread acceptance of organic fertilisers across the community. For Sela, the experience reinforced that building trust requires patience and practical demonstrations.